Attorneys for the U.S. Justice Department and New York City Mayor Eric Adams gathered in a Manhattan federal courtroom Wednesday afternoon, advocating for the suspension of five federal corruption and bribery charges against Adams.
Typically, such requests gain swift approval when there is harmony between prosecutors and defendants. However, Judge Dale Ho expressed his concerns, questioning the motivations of the Justice Department for seeking a postponement in Adams’ case.
“This is a very complicated situation, at least from where I sit,” Ho stated. He chose not to deliver a ruling immediately, but assured that a decision would come soon.
Last week, the Justice Department initiated a request to put its extensive criminal case against Adams on hold. This case was launched under the Biden administration.
Key figures from the Trump administration have hinted that they expect Democratic Mayor Adams to collaborate with the White House in addressing the issue of undocumented migrants residing in New York City.
During the proceedings, the Justice Department’s Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove emphasized that Judge Ho had limited discretion regarding the dismissal request. Bove also stressed that national security considerations were a significant factor in the decision to suspend the case, which aims for Adams to better manage issues surrounding undocumented migrants in New York City.
Responding to questioning from Judge Ho, Bove noted that terminating the criminal trial would permit Adams to “get back to work unburdened and unhindered.”
The DOJ’s memo requesting dismissal asserted that a criminal trial would inhibit Adams from focusing fully on a crucial policy of the Trump administration: addressing illegal immigration and rising violent crime issues.
Critics within the Justice Department voiced concerns about the motivations for suspending the charges, alleging a “quid pro quo.” Notably, at least seven Justice Department attorneys resigned rather than support this deal.
Adams testified under oath in response to Ho’s inquiries, asserting that there was no explicit agreement linking his cooperation on immigration enforcement with lenient treatment from the DOJ.
Judge Ho highlighted that the DOJ retains the option to re-indict Adams on these charges in the future. When asked if he felt threatened or pressured, Adams replied, “No, your honor.”
Ho noted that three former federal prosecutors filed a legal brief opposing the DOJ’s request, claiming that such a move represented improper political interference in a criminal case.
In response, Bove dismissed these claims as “partisan noise.”
Before the hearing, Adams appeared optimistic, calling the proceedings “part of the process.” He has recently made numerous public appearances, pledging advancements in infrastructure and economic priorities.
As Adams awaits Ho’s ruling, his political future hangs in the balance, especially following the resignation of four deputy mayors this week amid scandals and growing ties to Trump’s immigration policies. Additionally, he is preparing for a competitive Democratic primary in June and a general election in November.
Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York, previously seen as an ally, is contemplating whether to exercise her authority to remove Adams from office. Hochul held discussions with key political and civic leaders in Manhattan regarding Adams’ political status on Tuesday but has yet to make a decision.
